Bha and bht as additives in food, is it safe to consume?

Many packaged foods on the market are processed with a variety of additives (additives) to preserve and enhance the appearance of food. Of the many types of additives in food, BHA and BHT are two of them. Is there a risk of harm that may arise from this consumption?

Before going any further, make sure you fully understand what is meant by BHA and BHT.

What are BHA and BHT?

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are antioxidants similar to vitamin E which are widely used by the food industry as preservatives. Its function is mainly to prevent oil and fat in food from oxidizing and becoming rancid. Oxidation that occurs when packaging is opened for a long time can change the taste, color and smell of food and reduce some of its nutrients.

Cereals, processed potatoes, chewing gum, fast food, and butter, including some food products that are usually processed with BHA and BHT. Simply put, you can find out the presence of BHA and BHT content by reading food labels.

Are the two additives in this food safe for consumption?

After you understand about these two types of additives, you may start asking questions about the safety of BHA and BHT in food products. As reported from the Very Well Fit page, the FDA, as the food and drug regulatory agency in the United States which is equivalent to the BPOM, said that BHA and BHT are safe for use in processed food products.

Researchers estimate that the average amount of BHA in the daily diet can be tolerated by the body because the "dose" is so small. According to the researchers, BHA will only cause negative reactions when consumed at least up to 125 times a day.

Likewise with BHT which is considered safe. However, a study shows that consuming very large amounts of BHT triggers various interactions with contraceptive hormones and steroid hormones.

x